The Airport Authority Hong Kong said about 140 flights a day
are already using the new runway, which has been in operation since early July.
However, the airport is still using only two runways because
its center runway was closed in July for reconfiguration.
The airport is also expanding its Terminal 2 and is building
a new concourse and baggage handling system.
Work is expected to be completed by 2024, after which the
airport will use all three runways, giving it more flight capacity. The entire
project will cost 145 billion Hong Kong dollars ($18.5 billion), according to
Jack So, chairman of the airport authority.
“The project was funded from the private market and it
doesn’t involve any government money,” So said at the launch ceremony. “This
proves that the international financial community, banking sector and funds are
confident of Hong Kong and its airport.”
Brendan Sobie, an independent aviation analyst based in
Singapore, said that when all three runways are operating, it will allow more
planes to land during peak hours, thereby expanding the airport’s capacity.
“You need that capacity, that infrastructure, because you’d
start losing out if others have something you don’t have,” Sobie said.
He noted that several other airports in Asia, including in
Bangkok and Jakarta, are either working on a third runway or have already added
one.
Hong Kong’s additional runway will also facilitate cargo
growth.
The city eased pandemic travel restrictions last month,
allowing inbound and outbound travel without mandatory quarantine. However,
incoming travelers must have a regular COVID-19 test upon arrival. -AP
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